Leylah Fernandez has won two titles in a single year for the first time in her career after beating world No. 78 Tereza Valentova 6-0 5-7 6-3 in the final of the WTA 250 tournament in Osaka.
After winning Washington in July, No. 4 seed Fernandez came out determined to also end triumphant in Osaka as she impressively bageled her rival in the opening set. In the second set, 18-year-old Valentova finally started showing some signs of life and she won a tight one after registering a break in the 11th game and serving out for a third set in the following game.
Fernandez instantly bounced back at the start of the third set, going 4-1 up. While Valentova managed to get the break back, the fourth-seeded Canadian remained unfazed as she collected the key break for a 5-3 lead, and closed out the match on her serve in the following game.
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For Fernandez, this was her second title of the year and overall her fifth WTA title.
On the other side, 18-year-old Czech Valentova fell just short of landing her maiden WTA title.
Fernandez reacts to winning Osaka
Congratulations Tereza. You played amazing. Wonderful week to you, your coach, and your family. Im sure Im gonna see you in many more finals like this one," the 23-year-old said during her trophy speech.
Finally, I wanna thank my team. My dad whos over here whos also my coach, my hitting partner Federico.. thank you so much for suffering with me this week, this past month, and past year.. I also wanna thank my family and loved ones back home. Without you I wouldnt be here.. without everyones sacrifices and support, I wouldnt be on this stage. Thank you so much for all the love and the motivation that youve given me."
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Fernandez won't have much time to rest since she is now set to compete at next week's tournament in Tokyo, where she plays Victoria Mboko in the first round.
